Outputs from the En-Abilities project June 2020
Dr. Geraldine Scanlon and Dr. John Lalor from DCU’s Further Education and Training Research Centre (FETRC) have recently concluded work on a European project called EN-ABILITIES which developed tools aimed at encouraging autonomous language learning for adult students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The project is now being reorientated in Ireland to help adults who have refugee status or who are living in Direct Provision to promote social inclusion and to give them some informal support in learning English. The learning environment for refugees can be fraught with numerous challenges including the lack of access to English language classes, being moved to other locations at very short notice, while some are living in cramped conditions that are ill suited to learning. The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is completely free and can be accessed through any device. It has been developed and delivered through non-formal education settings, implementing a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and a new validated and evidence-based methodology and approach translated into practical guidelines for ICT and software developers and pedagogical guidelines for teachers. Given the work of Respond, a not for profit Approved Housing Body and service provider, the researchers have now offered the free platform to the organisation to support their refugee resettlement project. The conflict in Syria is a significant humanitarian crises of our time, with approximately 5.5 million people fleeing the region seeking refuge and safety. In response the Irish Government committed to receiving 4,000 refugees, from the area, between 2016 and 2019. The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was established in 2015 to oversee this. Respond work with the IRPP and local county councils as the implementing partner in different parts of the country. Respond also works with the families to support and assist them to integrate into their new communities.